By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Federal Government, through the Made in Nigeria Special Project, on Friday said it is working to identify and support young entrepreneurs to boost local production in Taraba State.
The Taraba State Coordinator of the project, Hon. Justin Aondoaseer Tyopuusu, disclosed this during a visit to the Chairman of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, Mr. Gara Nongha. He explained that the special project is aimed at expanding non-oil economic opportunities for young Nigerian entrepreneurs by empowering them to produce, innovate, and compete effectively in both local and international markets.
Hon. Tyopuusu said the project focuses on promoting local production and stimulating entrepreneurship.
“The Made in Nigeria Special Project is all about empowering Nigerians, especially young people, to produce, innovate, and compete effectively in both local and international markets.
“We target to identify and support young entrepreneurs in manufacturing and agro-processing, facilitate training and capacity-building programmes, and connect youth-led businesses to markets and investment opportunities.
“The project also aims to promote innovation, creativity, and local content development across Taraba State,” he said.
Hon. Tyopuusu further explained that he was in Taraba to seek the state government’s partnership to strengthen social stability and drive sustainable economic growth in the state.
“This partnership will not only reduce unemployment but also strengthen social stability and drive sustainable economic growth in Taraba State.
“Nigeria’s overdependence on oil revenue remains a major economic challenge, and deliberate efforts must be made to change that narrative.
“Taraba State is blessed with a vibrant and energetic youth population. With the right support, skills development, enterprise guidance, excellent packaging and branding, mentorship, and market access, our youths can transition from job seekers to job creators.
“Our desire is to create a strategic platform to mobilise states, private sector actors, and development partners toward building a resilient, production-driven national economy,” Tyopuusu said.
In his response, Mr. Gara Nongha, Chairman of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, pledged the state government’s readiness to support the project.
Mr. Gara assured that the agency’s doors would remain open to ensure the success of the programme in Taraba State.
“On behalf of Taraba youths, we commend President Bola Tinubu for the initiative. The special project aligns with Governor Agbu Kefas’ youth development drive, and we will fully support and ensure the success of the programme in the state,” he assured.
